With this collection, curator Jeff Place culls a cross-section of 26 classics from the Smithsonian Folkways vaults to tell an intriguing story of American signature sing-along. The songs' origins are as fascinating as the songs are fun: centuries-old European ballads, an American Revolutionary tune, Nineteenth-century American folksongs, African-derived game songs, a sea chantey, a railroad jingle, camp songs, and even an opera song.

More Than A Whisper: Celebrating The Music Of Nanci Griffith is an all-star tribute to the legacy of the Grammy award-winning singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Featured artists include Brandy Clark, Shawn Colvin, Iris Dement, Steve Earle, Mary Gauthier, Emmylou Harris, Sarah Jarosz, Lyle Lovett and Kathy Mattea, Ida Mae, John Prine and Kelsey Waldon, Todd Snider, Billy Strings, and Molly Tuttle covering some of Griffith's most notable releases.

Pharis and Jason Romero are pure craftspeople. A renowned banjo builder, Jason spent years developing his own personal designs, and on Tell 'Em You Were Gold, his handmade instruments take center stage. Over a half dozen uniquely crafted banjos are played by the duo in the course of the album. There's conviction and delicacy in this music, which ranges from duets that showcase the pair's deep psychic and artistic connection to solo banjo meditations...